Replies

1. 
   jeff100 | Jan 27, 2008 06:13am | #1

   I had the same saw, it didn't take long for the blade raising belt to break. While it looks intimidating, it is very easy to replace. Follow the directions in the owners manual, page 23. Once you've done it once, it is about a 5 to 10 minute process, start to finish. I recommend you stock up on belts, if you use your saw much, this won't be the last time you change it. Keeping that area clean helps, but it just slows down the wear and tear on the belt.

   I got tired of replacing belts, and refitting my saw with a set of sprockets and a small chain. No more broken belts. If they are still selling it, you can purchase this retrofit kit from Equipment Sales and Surplus, see the contact information at their website, and give them a call. Ask for Niel or Frank and ask them about the SuperSaw belt retrofit kit for the blade raising mechanism.

   http://www.equipmentsalesandsurplus.com/

   I think I paid about $75.00, IIRC. Long term, it was money well spent. This belt design is the weak link in this saw. Too bad, it's a fine saw otherwise.

1. 
   LakelandDave | Jan 27, 2008 02:58pm | #5

   Thanks for the reference to the manual. I had looked there for the part number, but somehow had missed the replacement directions. Now to get the part.

2. 
   BruceS | Jan 27, 2008 06:21am | #2

   I endorse most Jet tools. But that feature was one I had problems with and didn't push its sales. Now my suspicions are verified.  Thanks for the confirmation.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   jeff100 | Jan 27, 2008 07:03am | #3

   Yeah, like I said, it's the weak link in that saw design. That said, it would not be nearly so bad, if the dust collection design was better. Had I kept my saw, I was going to cut a 4" hole in the cabinet access door and mount a dust collection port, bypassing the lousy factory design, which does not work. It's the chips and sawdust that builds up in the cabinet and jams the belt that causes all the trouble. I still had to regularly clean out that area after retrofitting it with a chain/sprocket setup, but at least the chain didn't break. Not so long as I maintained the saw properly anyway...

3. 
   Telemike | Jan 27, 2008 09:56am | #4

   I have a three year old saw also. The belt failed after almost a year. I cleaned up the shaft for both of the cogs (they were crushed a little when flats were ground on them and galled the their bearing surfaces. The saw was OK for two more years before the new belt frayed and failed.

   This time, the Jet guy sold me a retrofit kit that had a new shaft and a newer larger cog belt. (should have just GIVEN it to me - their design error, not mine). This kit has larger cogs and should last forever. I like the idea of a chain though. It's more robust.

4. 
   LakelandDave | Jan 27, 2008 03:05pm | #6

   Thanks to all who responded. I had missed the manual instructions on replacement that jeff100 pointed out. Overall I like the saw very much but I have had several problems with it - including a broken fence handle and galling a trunion while making a zero clearance blade insert. The worst ongoing problem, though, is dust collection - or rather the lack thereof.

   Thanks again.